“He has such a complete command of complex issues that I still think he has a bright future in public service,” said Sen. Jim Barcia, D-Bay City, one of Mayes’ closest political allies.

“I think, eventually, he’ll run for office again.”

Had voters gone a different direction Nov. 2, Mayes — the 96th District state House representative since 2005 — would be preparing to take over the 31st District state Senate seat, from which Barcia is retiring.

But Mayes, a Democrat from Bangor Township, lost his bid for the Senate seat to Mayville Republican Mike Green. Green defeated Mayes, 51,675 to 36,630, winning in all five counties the district encompasses — Arenac, Bay, Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola.

The defeat, Mayes said, closes a chapter in his life that began when he was elected Bangor Township supervisor in 2000.

“It’s time for something different. There are a few things I’m looking at, but nothing I’d like to talk about right now,” said Mayes, 39.

“I do know that I want to stay in this region. This is my home.”

State Rep. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City

Mayes said he was a child when he realized the importance of the political process. The realization ignited his political involvement during the next several decades.

He served as class president at T.L. Handy High School, where he was part of the last graduating class in 1990.

He went on to major in political science at the University of Michigan and landed his first job, as an aide to state Rep. Howard Wetters, D-Bay City, in the mid-’90s. Mayes later served as an aide for State Rep. Joseph Rivet, D-Bay City.

Rivet, who now serves as Bay County drain commissioner, said Mayes’ decision to step away from politics is “beyond unfortunate.”

“Jeff epitomizes the ideal combination of a good public servant and good politician. The two rarely go together,” Rivet said.

Rivet said he understands Mayes’ decision but said he expects Mayes to eventually return to politics.

“When you put everything you have into a campaign and it falls short, the natural reaction is to take a step back and give it some time,” he said. “But I can’t imagine he’ll never be involved in politics again, and the community will benefit when he decides to return.”

Mayes said he knew this year’s race for the 31st District Senate seat would be tight.

“There’s been frustration with the Democrats, so we knew it would be a tough race over what has always been a tightly contested seat, anyway.”

He said he holds no animosity toward Green.

“It’s humbling and it’s not the outcome you wanted, but ultimately, I respect the voters’ decision and hold nothing against Mike or anyone else,” Mayes said.

In his remaining weeks as a state representative in Lansing, Mayes said he’s keeping busy tying up loose ends, including the completion of two bills: one that amends recent legislation to consolidate visitors bureaus in the Great Lakes Bay Region and another that allows Michigan communities to restructure debt.

Though Mayes said Michigan still faces challenges, he is proud of his accomplishments in Lansing, especially his role as a lead policymaker in the 2008 Energy Reform bill.

“It was nonstop work for two years, but in the end, it was proof that people who are ready to work across party lines can do great things together,” Mayes said.

Wherever he lands after he leaves office at the end of the year, Mayes said he’ll continue to challenge himself with meaningful work.

“I’ve never been the type of person to just sit back and relax. I’d like to do something demanding of the skills I used as a House rep.”